Chapters Unfortunate Events
Twilight jolted awake at the smell of ozone pungent in the room. An irrefutable prof, betraying what has occurred during her sleep.
The multiple magical energies inhabiting her body have been struggling to find balance once again. ever since she was crowned as the Princess of friendship, during the month of her coronation. Magical surges would erupt manifesting with the emotions on her dreams.
To think the idea of being a living time-bomb. the idea that while she slept, She could obliterate the entire city. . To wake up in the middle of a ruined city populated by a mountain of corpses. That whole idea was one of the many nightmares that plagued her dreams at night.
If was fortunate for her, that both Luna and Celestia lived through the same transformations and fears as her. with their experience and training, this yearly problem would end. that idea and the support of her friends were the reason that she could sleep at all.
And yet here we are, in a room filled up with ozone. the produce of massive magical energies released into the air.
“When it will stop?" she thought as she got out of the bed. Spying the beautiful morning sun foretelling the nice day ahead. almost at if it was mocking her. or at least what was she felt "It’s been only the first week of this nightmare of a month and i haven’t had a decent night of sleep” Twilight got up as she threw the covers on her bed. The lack of sleep and peace of mind was getting the best of her. It was not the first time that she would wake up like this.
Twilight exited her room and went to find her number one assistant. As she went to the next door. She could still smell the ozone in the air. This made her wary normally the ozone didn't continue after the door.
“Spike, Are you awake? lets go and have some breakfast with the princesses" Twilight said after opening the door, only to be met with silence. Spike was nowhere to be seen.
"He already went?" , she though, while exiting the room "That’s odd he normally waits for me" she went through the halls of the castle towards the dinning room "maybe he is waiting me at the table with the princesses" she said to herself.
Opening the doors of the Royal dinning room. She spotted Princess Celestia and her sister Princess Luna, as well some members of the royal court that were dining with the rulers of Equestria while discussing Estate affairs. as she crossed the door. Celestia noticed her and interrupted the discussion to address Twilight.
“Hello Twilight, I hope you had a good night sleep “ said Celestia with a motherly smile to her former student, but to Twilight there was and unspoken question "Did something happen today?".
“Hello princess Celestia and princess Luna” she said while bowing to them,.
“Oh, there is no need for formalities between us. We art equals now Twilight” said Luna chuckling this wasn’t the first time, that Twilight has forgotten that she is a princess too, that always amused the moon Princess.
“I am sorry princesses” said Twilight blushing under the embarrassment.
“By the way twilight where is spike? Is he Awake yet?” asked Celestia it was strange to see Twilight, without spike on breakfast.
“I didn’t see him when I woke up. So I assumed he would be already here”said Twilight getting a little worried for not finding her adoptive little brother.
“Guards! Find Spike please? and bring him to the dinner room” Celestia said to the guards, as she rubbed her chin in thought.
“At once, your majesty ” one of the guards responded, as he and his partner exited the room looking for the drake.
After fifteen minutes the guards returned concerned “your majesties, according to the personnel. Spike the dragon, is nowhere to be found. Also there is a strong magic field in the hallway where the chambers of Princess Twilight are located” said the guard.
“worry not Twilight. I think I know what happened” said Celestia after a moment "It may have to do with Twilight's accession"
“Sister, do you think Twilight use a teleportation spell by accident?” Luna said worried, and hoping that she was mistaken the teleportation spells were especially dangerous if being cast by an alicorn in this state.
“It was my fault, what if i vaporized him in my outburst. What if i send him to the moon! “Twilight was beginning to have a panic attack as an immense feel of dread washed over her, "Could i have vanished Spike by accident?" this thought was going through her mind, with the gentleness of a battering ram.
“Be calm Twilight, this has happened before, the real question would be. Where did the spell took him. for that we will scan for his signature magic within his Dragon flame and we will be able to teleport him back, or at least locate him” Celestia said reassuring Twilight as she hugged her, a panic attack would not help this situation.
“My former student, i will begin to look for spike's now” Celestia as she closed her eyes and her mind slipped into the astral realm. there she could see the magic energies of every soul in Canterlot and surrounding towns, that didn't consciously suppress its presence. It was like a torrent of stars going about the astral flow, each speck an entity.
there she looked for the familiar energy of her adoptive son. Catching a glimpse of energy quickly fading away. "its close but at the same time slipping through. Could it be like the mirror spell that twilight told me about?" as the final trace of magic vanished from her view. she returned to the real plane.
"Twilight, i have a lead on where spike is. but also i bear bad news" she feeling sadness for Twilight, she new that the newly princess wouldn't take this new well. but it must be said "I suspect that spike was sent into another dimension"
Twilight started to Hyperventilate, all the sound of her surroundings was getting numb, the last thing she saw was Celestia rushing to her side.
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In the capital Wasteland. A girl in a blue jumpsuit, with the number 101 on its back. had been wandering through it for several days. just abandoned all that she knew to brave the wastes and look for answers
It’s been two day since I left the vault so far. With a struck of luck i scavenged some ammunition from the old town Springvale and also there is the pistol that i got when i was leaving. This makes me feel more confident. That i will survive to see the next day.
Why did i left, you say? something very simple. i wanted to find my father and i knew he is on the Wasteland. So i left after some problems and now look at me trying to make sure, that i get some food to survive here.
I have been trekking over the hills where the vault door is. Near the old highway but haven´t made my mind in order to go further. I know I will need to eventually, but i feel more safer here.
I check my backpack and frown at what at see. I still got food for about two days, and on top of that my ammunition quantity its dropping. So I will have to find more soon or i wont be able to hunt or defend myself anymore. But on the other side, I hadn’t needed the stimpacks and meds that i brought from the vault so far, thanks for little miracles i guess.
“Let’s see, Jury street station, well if my luck still works, I may find some ammo” I smile while thinking to myself to keep my mind entertained as i check the buildings looking for an entrance.
There is nobody around so far, but there is a big scorpion on a hill nearby bathing in the sun. And i really doubt that my bullets will be able to pierce its chitin. So I quietly enter the first building before it sense me.
“Rube’s Gold Ribbon" Its the name and there are lots of boxes arranged in a domino fashion. Reminding me of the time when Officer Gomez and i played that game on the dinner when i was still a child.
i go for the counter but noticed a metal plate, it strike me as odd. as i spot a wire going to the ceiling. and see my price, a bunch of grenades on a bouquet. if i could disarm this bouquet, but the pins doesn't seem than firm on the explosive. better i go for the press plate.
Behind the counter, in a box. I found another pistol with some ammunition for it and as well some bullets for my own ending some of my worries. I went to exit the building but notice the sun setting on the hills at west. having no other choice i blocked the door with some shelves and spent the night here.
A loud crack from outside woke me up. It sounded like a thunder. with a whistling sound. As i stand up the building suddenly trembles and something blast through the roof toppling one of the shelves. as i drew near on what used to be shelve i found the weirdest creature that i have come across, even if that list is not so extensive.
near my feet was some kind of lizard, purple from head to tail. with what appear to be miniature wings. I also can see some claws and fangs so that possible makes it a predator, but I haven’t heard of anything like it from neither Mr. Brotch, nor anyone else for that matter.
Its amazing how you only notice things, only when they are gone as realize that the creature stopped snoring. So it did survive the crash and its awakening.
I take my chance and in one quick motion i draw my pistol aiming for its head as my finger its on the VATS release.
As i am about to activate VATS, the creature does something i never expected.
“Twilight, what time is it?” Either i am dreaming, or i am going insane. Maybe both, "heh, just two days on the wasteland and I am already insane. Got a be a new record somewhere" i said out laud as my sanity calmly start walking to the emergency exit on my brain.
“Twilight?” it speak again, and then it looks at me, as i accept the fact that this creature just spoke and is real. "Er....you are not Twilight!" but Should i kill it? is not like a mindless animal. i can see its expression that confusion and specs of fear that are appearing all over its face, an the fact that i talks.
"Sorry to disappoint?" what the hell is going on here?
POV Spike
"Sorry to disappoint?" Where in Tartarus am i?
Okay, let me get this straight. Last night, before going to sleep. I talked with twilight about my recent growth spur and some theory of how it could be affected. But that's not the problem here. The problem is that now i found myself waking up somewhere else. That is notoriously not my bed with the smell of ozone all over me and a human is currently staring at me. and i may be around Twilight a little bit too much. but are those the sings of a panic attack?
leaving the panicked human aside. am i on the other side of the portal? i raise my paw only to find a claw instead. so am i still a dragon that might explain it.
I take several breaths to calm myself and think about what i am going to say. but the human interrupts me.
“Okay, what’s going on here and who or what are you? “ she was distressed. 10 bits that she has never seen a dragon before.
“That’s what I want to know. First I am sleeping on my bed on Canterlot. then I wake up here, to find you shouting at me. I think is a little bit early for that." She seemed taken a back after what i said.
“Canterlot? is that and old world town?" she doesn't know. That is not a good sign. as i notice my surroundings i see the building on disrepair.
“You are getting pale creature , are you alright?" thanks, i didn't know captain obvious.
"don't you see the skeleton on the corner?!" I said as i pointed to the skeleton. did it just turned its head a little?
"Don´t worry about it, it has been over two hundred years dead" she told me as i released a breath i didn't realize i was holding."That aside, i don't think you will like me to keep calling you creature. So, do you have a name?" she seemed more calm now.
“My name is Spike, nice to meet you. But do you know where are we exactly?” better i try to work this out while she is calm.
"Mine's is Camille and you are in the old Washington DC or The Capital Wasteland" i need to sit down!
Author's Note
the story will be varying perspectives between Camile,Spike and Twilight i will point out the perspective before it begins.
Chapter 2: Hunter's lesson
Hunter's Lesson
Camille's Pov
We have been walking together in the morning. Yet I find the distinct impression that the purple dragon behind me is still real. as it didn't go away after i woke up. also didn't try to eat me.
“So, you said we need to find some food? what do You have in mind” and yet again he is still there. Well, maybe I am not crazy enough.
“On one hand, we could eat some of the two hundred years old kind-of-food, that i have in the bag" by the look on his face. he didn't like the idea "Or we could hunt our meal to have fresher food on our metaphorical plate" He didn't like that idea either but his grimace was less pronounce. So i will take it as a good sing.
“well Camille. the thing is that can eat gems as every other dragon, also meat and vegetables. but i have had most of my life feed a Vegetarian diet” he look at the ground as if ashamed, but if he doesn't adapt, he will have a hard time looking for food on the wastes, Let’s see if he can manage molerat meat.
We stop near an abandoned ruin "Spike, as you know. food its not exactly easy to find. so there is no room to be picky" he look me with a downcast face "You can die out here Spike, but don't worry i will try to help you get through this"i have my own problems to deal with, but also i don't want to have the kid die on me if i could do something to prevent it."So spike can you get on that telephone pole and keep an eye out for any animals?" its best to get this over with.
“alright, just give me a second” he responded as he leap to the pole, and latched to the side with his claws. ”Camille there is some bears on the horizon where the sun rose this morning, and opposite to the bears there are some weird cows with two heads.
"good job spike, now come back here" as he jumped from the pole, as i loaded both guns and cocked them. we starting walking towards the cows.
“Spike come here" when he was near me, i handed him one of my pistols "here take this pistol. let’s see how you handle a weapon” I watched as he panic, why was he panicking?
“What do you mean by a weapon? You want me to kill the cow-thing?” he hissed with terror dripping from his voice. right, he has never killed an animal before.
“look spike. I know that you haven't done it before. but remember the talk about not being picky in the wasteland?" he nodded with his eyes glued to the ground " i might not always be there to hunt for you. so you must learn how to shot in order to survive" he kept looking to the ground "I know it must be hard. but i need you to be strong" he raised his head with resolve.
"I will hunt, lets just get this over with" he looked into my eyes with determination. i don't know what was going through his mind. but maybe he found the resolve to survive on this place. i give him a smile "Let me teach you Spike. I learned from one of the security guards back at home. but trust me you cannot let this fear to weight you down in the wasteland" i reassured him while letting him take the gun from my hand.
"i am so sorry, i have never hunted before" he said as we crouched near some high grass, hiding from the brahmin.
“Don't worry Spike. now to the matter at hand. we first try to sneak more closely to the Brahmin” as we sneak the distance one of the cows turns our way “ get down” I whisper to him and we get to the ground, the cow turn away from us “ alright, let’s move” we sneak closer until we are just at twenty meters away.
He whisper in my ear “How can they not see us? You are blue and I am purple?” he asked me with curiosity, the drake is really good at pushing his thought and focusing on the task. i will give him that.
“They can only see in black and white, even if the colors stand too much. If we don’t move much they just think we are weird looking rocks. but be careful this tactic only works as long as you don’t get too close. I learned that the hard way” molerats are more dangerous that we give them credit for.
As we position ourselves behind some rocks noticed that Spike was grabbing his weapon by the cannon i hissed at him “don’t grab it that way or you will blow your claw off!!”I realize that sound like Head Officer Gomez, heh “ Spike look at me. that pistol its a revolver .32 and this is the grip and you grab it like this. Now from this end when you pull this trigger. There will be a little explosion, and a hunk of metal will fly at high speed towards the way the cannon its pointing, do you understand?” he nods “ later I will teach you how to reload this pistol, but for now I will show you how to aim. You see those little edges? They are the sights. This is the front, this one and the rear. You must align them in the direction towards the target” he looked at me as I point towards the brahmin "get the front sight at the same distance between the rearsight edges and point it towards the brawmin .
“So, I grab it like this?” he says with the pistol on one claw.
“Use both claws for better aim, also just above the trigger there is a lever, it is set on safety you must pull that down or the trigger will not yield” he does that as I pull my pistol and take aim “alright at the count of three, and these weapon got a recoil that will kick the gun towards you claws, so aim a bit lower and relax you arms to anticipate for the kick. alright try to hit the cow on the back of the herd. one………two……..three!!!!!!”.
Spike’s shot hit the cow on the left forehoof, and mine at the base of the neck, the cow fall a second later and we stand up as the other cows ran for their lives leaving their downed kin behind “ and now the make sure”i take out a knife from my backpack and stab it at the side of each head. and the brawmin pass on.
“What are you doing? “Spike ask me horrified as I take the knife from the brahmin.
“Making sure it is dead before I taking the meat from its body. For me its better to kill the animal before feeding on it. both as a sign of respect and i don't want to cause it unnecessary suffering” he looks at the brahmin. with a tint of guilt, he reminds me of a kid back in the vault.
“What about the others of your people? Where are they? Do they all do this?” soon the guilt vanished replaced by anger.
“I don't know really, I haven’t spoken with anyone from outside so far. but i have heard stories back in the vault about the wasteland. So i suppose that yes as i told you before. the wasteland is not exactly kind" he maybe good at focusing on the task at hand. But he is way to emotional. then again who am i to talk.
"What is this Vault you talk about and why did you leave" He was venting and trying to accept what he has done. so i decided to answer his questions. maybe it will help him to calm down if he learns a little bit about the Vault.
"The Vault is technically a bunker. an underground network of tunnels made of metal and other materials that can sustain life inside. I leave the Vault because i am looking for my father.” as i said this stopped and looked at the ground.
"your father is on this place?" he ask me with sudden sadness.
"yes, but i will tell you about that after we have dinner" i responded with urgency. its not exactly a topic that i like to talk about “Alright, let’s grab some meat before those bears or some other thing notice the brawmin” I said as I proceed to cut. Spike threw up soon after.
We decided to return to the jury rig station for rest. It was getting late and those bear things and scorpions would start hunting soon.
When we got there, there was a campfire near the metro entrance, with people, and the remains of I think it’s another Brahmin, but this one its different. it got straps and bags all over its side. There is some shouting and we watched how they started to beat a person with a bat, the bone crunching sounds made an echo and even at our distance it reached us.
“What are they doing?” spike’s question snap me out of my train of thought.
“I don’t know, but it doesn't look good. maybe we should get out of here” I said as I grab his claw.
“What are you doing? Shouldn’t we help him?” shook off my hand, and went over the campfire. just as he got in line of sight. he fire one shot to the sky “Stop hurting him!!!” these people didn't seem normal, wearing straps of gear in improvised armors, and some with dried blood on them. Raiders
all the raiders turned to him and one took a rifle with an scope, i heard the crack and spike fell to the ground while clutching his arm.blood was flowing from his wound as he desperately applies pressure hoping to stop the bleeding.
What should I do I thought as the raiders approached spike, there were too many. I can’t, maybe they will let him live ones again my brain trying to convince me not to step up there and risk my life- but my body was doing otherwise.
I took aim at the raider with the rifle, and took the shot. It went clean through his neck. he soon collapsed on the ground while his buddies notice me.
I have just killed my first person, how many people in the world have had this thought. my first time killing, hunting animals is one thing, but this one was a living breathing and thinking PERSON
i was paralyze but the idea of my new homicide that i didn't notice the raider tackling me to the ground.
“What do we have here? Boys looks like we found some meat, heh” the word “meat" he was saying it while eyeing my body “you are going to pay for what did you do the boss, bitch. and me and the boys are going to enjoy every second of it” as he said that two raiders pinned me to the ground, spike tried to get up, but was kicked on the head and pinned down ass a raider sat on him “you are going to watch how we have fun with your friend” a raider ripped the upper part of my vault suit with a knife revealing my breasts.
I knew what they were going to do to me. To think my entire quest finished as another corpse in the wastes and i was absolutely powerless to do something about it.but, When the brain its looking for a way out, a way for me to survive. you tend to notice the strangest things. for example a rock way beyond the reach of my hand. a blade of dead grass distorting in the air. a speck of wind carrying a form and a whisper.
“Do not move” said the whisper. The raiders paused for a second. It was as if time itself stopped its flow entirely, like the silence so thick that even in my near rape situation i could feel the pressure. the silence before the storm, and storm there was.
The raider in front of me that ripped my suit was stabbed by a set of three claws. Only revealed by the now fresh blood that coated them while they where sprouting from the victims chest. With shock in his face, the raider was lifted up by something. her tried to say something but whatever he was going to say died on his lips as he passed out.
the creature was there but you could not quite see it like a shadow in the air. said shadow threw the now fresh corpse to the ground. as the raiders that pinned me down tried to shake the confuision. just a moment later i heard gunshots from the hill to my left then the head of the raider on my left exploded, while the one on my right had his leg severed at the knee. I notice that there were more shadows on the distance from where i heard the shots. they were waiting something.
I heard the sound of electricity as the shadow before me revealed itself. Now i was watching a man. He stared scanning everyone searching for threats. I could see that he wore a leather jacket that reached his knees. with thick cables going from the arms to the exposed shoulderpads. on top of a faded green armor.
There were symbols on this armor one with two scimitars crossing a leaf on the chest plate. A howling wolf on top of some cogs with wings crossed by a sword on the right shoulderpad and , on the other shoulderpad the number 101 on top of a cog just above a set of lights that were glowing but getting more dim.
He wore an old army helmet and I couldn't see his face, because of the googles that emitted a dim green light covering his eyes. he also wore a small gasmask covering his mouth and nose. But what grabbed my attention the most were two things. First some kind of armored gauntlet with sharp looking claws, put in a pincer fashion, stained by the blood of the raider. and i finally on his other arm wore and old looking Pip-boy three thousand model A.
-A vaultdweller like me.
A raider took a shot at the figure. Only for the bullet to be blocked as the gauntlet came to life and some kind of shield manifested on it. Then in one swift motion, almost like flowing water. He closed the distance with the raider and stabbed him in the gut then he using the now deceased raider’s body as a shield to block a the knife of another that was aimed for the Vaultdweler's neck. as the raider struggle to take his knife out the corpse of his friend. That Vaultdweler crushed his head with the clawed gauntlet.
As the other raiders watched the beheaded corpse fall. He gave a quick glance to me and spike, pressing a button on his chest, he spoke.
“Caravan secured. all Hunters, kill the rest of the raiders”
Other figures appeared from the hill, and soon gunfire was heard on the background.
Author's Note
i wanted to do something different, so instead of doing a loner's fic, i decided to make up Camille just a vaultdweler in DC looking for her father.
the hunters and most of the concepts separate themselves from fallout canon after a single event.
The Pack
Spike's Pov
When i was a hatchling i had many fears. the dark for example. Princess Celestia getting mad. Twilight's Panic attacks. but now as a growing up dragon i can safely say that those fears where nonsense. because the true bane of my existence is a pair of tweezers trying to take out a bullet from my shoulder.
“Stay still lizard! Don’t make this more painful that’s already is” a woman, with an armored leather jacket and a white band on her wrist, said this while probing the wound on my arm" those dam tweezers" they are like a worm burrowing their way through your flesh, poking everything.
“My name is Spike, you crazy lady!!” She was really getting on my nerves, literally.
“Oh, you got a name, good for you. Now stay still, so I can remove the bullet” I did as told and after a particular high spike of pain, it was all over “ there, you see this? That is the bullet that hit you in the arm” she said with a chuckle. It was so small barely the size of the tip of my claw, the source of my pain. With a sigh of relief I let her to bandage my arm. but it was not over. I felt a sting in my arm, and to my horror i saw a huge needle sticking out of my arm. Somehow the thing pierced my scales. It belonged to a syringe bigger than my claw with a watch on the other end.
I manage not to pass out as it left my arm, somehow feeling better and making the pain slowly go away. So I searched for Camille, only to find her wearing one of those jackets while another human was talking to her and a third was stitching up her suit while sitting on a rock a little farther away. With nothing else to do, I decided to do a little eavesdropping on their conversation.
“So, you are not a member of the caravans of Vault 101? Then who are you? And what are you doing at this place far from DC? This is not a place for vaultdwelers, you know?” the brown haired human asked her. He was wearing the same leather jacket as the others with some kind of armor below it with satchels and the symbol of a wolf with cogs on his shoulder pad. I could notice a helmet with some googles and wires hanging from his belt, also on his back strapped with an harness, was a bigger version of the guns that Camille showed me, but this one looked more complex, long with two tubes than connected near the tip of the cannon, and a curved metal magazine, if I remember the name correctly.
“My name is Camille Almodovar, and as I was saying. No, I am not with them because I am too young to apply for the caravans. I came here to find my father” she answered with determination on her voice. the other human looked at her, as the one who was stitching her suit raised his head.
“You are the overseer’s daughter? Then we should bring you back to the vault” he said to Camille ”my name is James Hargrave, the one on the rock is Albert, and the one treating your friend there her name is Mei. We will move when the rest of the squad returns” as he finished, Camille panicked, this was clearly not something she wanted. If she returned home then what happens to me?
“Look, we can’t risk you dying out here on the wastes. just let us bring you ba…..” .
“And who your father may be, kid” the one named Albert finished stitching up her suit finished, stood up and walked towards her, the only one that kept using the helmet of the three.I could see only the lower half oh his face, as his eyes were covered by the some googles.
“I don’t know who he is. I just want to find him, and show him that I exist. I have some faint memories of hi….” Camille was grabbed by the shoulders by Albert he put his googles on top of his helmet, and stared into her eyes for a long time looking in deep focus. After some time his eyes relaxed and he let her go “James, Mei. Finish what you are doing. We wait for the rest of the hunters to return, then you get back to the Citadel. Sarah will give you your next assignment” he said with a commanding voice. wasn't that James the leader?
“And what about you? And the girl here” James asked while three other figures appeared.
“Alright, the corpses have been burned. now what we do about the girl and the lizard Bert” said the human in the middle. he was massive with red hair on his head, and being a little taller than princes Luna, he surprised me. He has the same armored jacket as the others except for both a neckguard, that went from the chestplate, and the right shoulderpad being bigger with an armored arm guard. The other arm was almost uncovered. On his back rested a massive carapace with a metallic net on it, near it i could see the head of a strange looking hammer and finally an strange gun with a drum on the side and a blade on the tip.
The man on the left wasn’t wearing any jacket on top of his armor. Maybe that's where Camille’s jacket came from, i couldn't see his face behind that helmet and mask. but there were lost of cylinders that hung from harness on his armor and his weapon was some kind of rectangular gun that have an orange cylinder at the side and the one on the left was a women wearing the full armor set but i could see that she that one of her eyes was glowing red. she had the same weapon as James but with something bellow the cannon along with a handle near the magazine. i could also see a white band on her wrist on an arm that look metallic almost as if it were fake.
“Alright Arthur first things first. She is the overseer’s daughter of Vault 101, and the lizard is sentient. So, after i speak to you, I need you all to return to the Citadel and give my report of the patrol to Sarah. Also tell her that I will be traveling with these two for the time being. And before i forget tell her that. Initiate Hargrave and initiate Meiling have passed their first patrol and recon” he said to the man with the ghost of a smile.
“So, the greenies did pass. Heh, welcome to the wolf pack kiddies” the big man grinned while petting James. who has the smile on his face erased by the petting.
“Stop it, you asshole!” James said annoyed, while Mei was watching the pair with a silent chuckle.
“Don’t worry about them, Spike was it? Artie, the big one, always likes to mess with James. Now there, I advise you to keep that arm resting for a day or two, and don’t do any heavy lifting” Mei said while standing up while getting a helmet that rested on her belt with a red star on the side that got a red sea monster dragon and a sword in the middle, On her back attached to her jacket was a really long rifle, with a little telescope on the top, and on her belt I could make out a sword on its sheathe, she wore as the others humans a small scarf with a some kind of mask that rested on their necks. But this one was blood red. her eyes were different than Camille's. maybe the humans got tribes as the ponies.
“Thanks for patching me up, and sorry for calling you a crazy” come to think about it. I may have overreacted and I really don’t want to see those tweezers again, they are evil.
“It’s alright, just next time try to focus on something else instead of staring at my hand. While I am trying to get the bullet out of you” she said with a reproachful glare at me, I always get lectured no matter where I am, great.
as Albert and the massive man that is Arthur go to talk, I get curious. i know that Twilight and the girls has taught me better. but still these are armed people. and i don't exactly trust them. even if Camille is trusting them now.
"So what do you want to talk about Albert?" there was some tension here.
"one of the raiders had a sniper Arthur, and i do not recognize the blood markings on them" Blood markings?
"Do you think that they are a recon group? so near of Megaton?" gone was his goofy personality, as Arthur looked worried.
" you read my mind. we are missing somethings here. as i travel with this girl i will get some answers. maybe i can kill two birds with one stone" Albert stopped talking and approached us.
“Alright Camille, you will be traveling with me, but first we need to make a quick stop on Megaton. But remember, i may be helping you with this. but if determine that you are not fit for the wasteland, I will drag you back to 101, if I have to. Do you understand?” Albert said while looking at Camille she nodded and then Albert looked at me” And you Spike. While we are traveling, you tell me where you came from, and how you ended up on DC, seems like a good story” Albert the one that seemed to be the leader of those humans, he was different strange almost distant but warm at the same time. Should i trust him in keeping both Camille's and i alive?
the weapons he carried were also different than the rest. i could see some kind of pistol strapped to a holster near at the left side of his chestplate, and resting on an harness was the strangest weapon i have ever seen. it was like a bigger version of Arthur's weapon with a telescope and a lever and the canon got rings circling along side it.
“So, let me get this straight. You are from a magic land that is populated by ponies and lots of mythical creatures? You know how crazy that sounds right? If you were not a talking dragon, and breathed fire in front of me just to prove a point. I would think you had too much of every chem there is” he answered to me after I told him my story, really? It’s that difficult to believe? I mean we are just talking about magical ponies here. well it didn’t help that Camille was staring at me as I just grew a third eye, then laughed as i continue to tell them about my world.
“It’s true, but I don’t know how I got here, I literally just woke up two days ago” I don’t know what to think about that, and how I am supposed to go back to Equestria. Will I ever see my friends and my sister again?.
“Look I will be honest with you. I don’t know how to bring you back, but I might be able to work something out. don’t worry, but first we have to ensure that you two don’t die on your first week here. Its the least i can do" what he said made me feel a little better, maybe there is a chance to come back. but will i be the same when i do?.
"Albert, i have meaning to ask you. Where did you get that Pip-boy?" Camille asked Albert, that's something that i have notice, is Albert from this Vault too?
" i got it on 101 Actually, i lived half of my life there, but i left to find my own father a long time a go" Camille's at first was disappointed then surprised. Does this Albert was also looking for his father? " he was actually a wastelander, a doctor of some kind" as he said that there was a crack on the horizon, the sound of a gunshot and a bullet ricocheted just above my foot. i felt a hand on my shoulder as i was forced to the ground "you two stay under cover" i notice Camille beside me
“That’s was one of the reasons why I didn’t want to meet people yet, someone almost shot me while I was walking down the road” Camille said, Albert looked at her and gave a little chuckle
“heh, How nostalgic” Albert said at her as he threw a cylinder of some kind to the ground ans smoke started to fill the road “Alright, you two keep walking on that direction. There you will find a big metal structure. That is the town of Megaton. When the sniper and the guards spot you. Then wave both of you wave your arms and approach the gate slowly. that way they will know that you are friendly. Wait for me at the entrance” as he said this he activated something on his belt and made and made himself invisible. It was not truly you could still see him if you focus enough, but it was hard.
We kept walking, until we heard someone calling for us and spotted a girl she was blonde with dust a grime all over her body and clothes that were made from hide and was staring at me.
“What the fuck is that? “She asked surprised, and a little afraid.
“Don’t worry, he doesn’t do anything. And you, what are you doing here?” Camille asked with suspicion, the girl have just pop from nowhere and start calling for us?.
“ look my name is Sandra. me and my friends were attacked just a few clicks from here. I am the only one left. So I was heading to Megaton” there was something else that she wasn’t telling us, but the same happened to us not to long ago “ mind if I come with you?” she said a little nervous.
“Alright, but you walk in front of us” Camille responded, her hand was touching the grip of her pistol.
Just as we passed a small rocky hill we saw the town, covered in massive metal walls, there were guards patrolling all around, a men on a staircase, with a telescoped gun, and some kind of metal men.
He aimed at us, remembering what Albert said we started waving our arms, he then whistled while still taking aim and three of the guards came to greet us.
“Alright you two and….. What the hell is that?” the lead guard said while looking at me, then he aimed at my head.
“No please!! I mean no harm” I said as I remained still, the guard stopped for a second then he heard a familiar voice.
“Harden they are with me, don’t worry I will explain everything to the Sheriff” he said as he appeared behind us “and who are you?” he said to Sandra. who was shaking under his gaze, like she just encountered the Bogeymare.
“I am the only survivor of a caravan that was killed “ Sandra said to him, harden was looking at her with suspicion.
“Alright you can pass the gates, but don’t make any trouble. am I clear?” harden said while looking at me.
And with that we passed the gates to Megaton
Author's Note
this universe is set on fifteen years after the events of fallout 3, some weapons, armor and other item have been merged and modified as you could do on real life, with the universe rules of fallout.
also more will be explained about the hunters and motivations that the organization got.
i hope you like it, ad keep tune for more.
-knetch
Chapter 4 Pass the metal gates
Chapter 4 Pass the metal gates
Camille POV
We followed Albert, through the metal gates of the City of Megaton, this settlement left me in awe, at the sight of the catwalks and houses that were made from the parts of machines long lost.
“Howdy Albert, I see you are back from the wastes” I was snapped back into reality by man with brown skin, probably in his fifties, as he approached Albert I notice that he wore a leather coat similar to Albert’s and the rest of the Hunters but not quite, this one looked a lot less complex, with a six edged silver star on the chest, the man also wore on top of his head, a hat that reminded me of the old west movies that were played on the projector at Mr. Brotch’s classroom.
“Hello Lucas, Still being the sheriff I see” Albert nodded to the man “I didn’t see Deputy Steel on the gate, is he on maintenance?” he asked while the Sheriff’s eyes scanned me and Sandra, until they stopped on spike, the dragon didn’t have time to react as the Sheriff sprang into action, leveling his weapon on spike’s head, only to be stopped by a quick hand to the cannon from Albert, pointing the weapon towards the sky.
“What are you doing Albert?! There is a Deathclaw in my town!” the man called Lucas said while glaring Albert and our group, as Albert held the Sheriff weapon the Security of the city approached us.
“Don’t shoot him, he is harmless, isn’t that right Spike?” Spike was petrified by fear, and the city guards were aiming their weapons at us.
“So, it was really a good idea to approach a settlement after all? Get a hold to yourself” I thought as time seemed to slow, an idea appeared in my mind, and the city guards watched in horror, as I did the unthinkable.
I smacked the dragon at the back of his head.
“OW! Why did you do that!?” the dragon voice broke everyone from their standoff.
“Did that Deathclaw just spoke?” The sheriff looked at Spike, the disbelief on his face was so thick, that you could make a mask out of it.
“Come on Lucas, are we going to go through this again? You remember Fawkes, I tell you Spike is completely harmless” Albert said to the Sheriff, but Lucas was not impressed. In fact he seemed resigned to his fate.
“Stand down gentlemen!” Lucas sighted and waited a bit “Albert fourteen years ago, you brought that supermutant through the gates of my town and true to your word he was harmless. Now you bring a purple Deathclaw through my gates. Next thing I know you will be bringing the Enclave on a parade through my town!” he glared Albert directly through his googles “oh wait, that actually happened, didn’t it? I still remember that hit squad that tried to kill you in your house, and then somehow they leave town, safe and sound. Even more now Threedog is broadcasting about them being the “Enclave seven, protectors of Big Town?” he took a deep breath “I will trust your word on this one. but just try to avoid more surprises…”
“What is a Deathclaw?” Spike said and the sheriff was mute again.
“Actually, I would like to know that too, so far I have only seen the Brahmin, the big scorpions, and some more, but nothing about a Deathclaw” the sheriff looked us like we were the growing extra heads as we speak.
“But…. you are” he said to spike, “you know what? As long as you don’t make any trouble. I will not have to tan your hide and hang it at Gob’s Saloon. Lizard, the only reason I will let you in, is because Albert saved us all fifteen years ago. That also goes for the Vaultdweller, but not for the raider spy in your group” he said while looking at Sandra.
Albert chuckled as he asked “how did you figured out Sheriff?” I looked at Sandra in disbelief. Was she a raider?
“Well, I may not be as sharp as in my old days, but while we were having out little ruse. She tried to slip away while no one was looking and ain’t a little too early to be as high as you are sweetheart? gentlemen, grab her and check for raider crew marks!!!!” as he said this two guards tied up Sandra and put her face to the ground, then they ripped part of her shirt and there it was, a mark picturing a demon, from the Gronak comic book, bathed in blood while feasting on a victim. I remember that issue. I read it back at the vault.
“Interesting, the Blood Reavers crew. I haven’t seen them since my travels with Victor” Albert said curious as he started tapping his Pipboy.
“You mean the NCR Courier? That was seven years ago. What could have happened in all this time to have raiders from up west come here” the Sheriff commented as the guards got Sandra up from the floor arms tied to the torso.
“I don’t know, but that is one of the reasons I have been making more Hunters from the Brotherhood initiates lately” said Albert as he looked Sandra.
“Take her to the holding cell, we will have Jericho interrogate her shortly” The Sheriff ordered to the pair of guards, I hope you enjoyed our little play, vaultgirl and since we are not holding ourselves at gunpoint anymore, let me introduce myself. Name's Lucas Simms, town sheriff, and mayor of this fine town we call Megaton, and you are?” he asked while looking at us.
“M-my name is Camille, and the lizard beside me is Spike” I said while pointing to a very confuse spike.
“N-nice to meet you, S-Sheriff” said the dragon with a stutter.
“good to make your acquaintance little fellah. Stay with Albert here and you won’t get lost. Now if you excuse me. I have a raider problem to solve. I will keep you up to speed Albert, see ya later” he said as he walked towards the town.
“And Lucas, Sonora send her regards” that seemed to lift the sheriff’s spirit as he went on his route.
“Well, that went better that expected” Albert said with a sight and started walking as we followed him.
“You knew she was a raider All along?” as asked in disbelief and used as bait, how could he.
“I wasn’t sure if she was one, so when we entered I gave a little signal to Lucas and then everything flew right out of the window, when he mistook you little friend here for a Deathclaw, but he quickly caught on and Camille. Good thinking in getting spike to yell, that was just what we needed to snap back Lucas into the ruse” he said while patting my shoulder, still I do not like being played at.
“What’s the deal with me talking” Spike asked confused at the reaction of the sheriff.
“To understand that, you must understand that out on the wastes there are vicious predators, and among the deadliest stand the Deathclaw. I have heard rumors back west that some are intelligent, but to the common knowledge they do not talk. They are between nine to ten feet tall, got claws that can slice through steel and one of the meanest bites you can get, also are known to eat humans. Besides where do you think the claws for my gauntlet came from” he finished the last part taping the gauntlet hanging from his coat with a low chuckle as we approached one of the houses.
The house was made from the same material as the rest of the town, on the roof it got a sing saying "Library / Armory, talk to wadsworth"
Albert approached the front door and as he opened it. Two kids were dismantling a Mister Handy robot on the floor while it was yelling curses at them, Albert facepalmed...
Author's Note
thanks for all of you who are still in tune for this story, now for some context.
The Hunters: this group does not exist anywhere but in my headcannon is a subdivision in the brotherhood of steel, focused on stealth, infiltration, and tracking both people and tecnology they respond to the acting elder,star paladin and sentinel, they use the same ranks as the brotherhood, they do not normally use power armor, but have a modification on their coats and combat armor, that is a mix between the chinise stealth suit and the stealthboy, granting the user rechargable temporary invisibility, without the risk of loosing their sanity thanks to a copper mail in their helmets, and their googles have lowlight application and HUD incorporated for not Pipboy users.
they were created by Albert (the Loner) and Gallows, after Albert returned from his travels with the courier, all this years after the second houver's dam war, long story short the east chapter was tricked into believing that NCR orchestrated an assassination on the Elder Lyon, and almost sparked a war.
The blood reaver will be explained later as also the courier's side of the story with more backgound on the war, ofcourse from camille's or spike's perspective.
Chapter 5: the plans ahead
Spike’s PovEver have the feeling of having a Deja vu?
A thought in your mind. Where you think you have already live through a particular situation?
Because. Here I am, looking at the human version of the Cake’s twins doing mischief in somepony else house.
Heh, this brings me back to the Castle. They would sneak in and make a mess around with the books. I still remember the “book fortress” they made with the Castle’s library, and the scolding that Twilight gave them later.
Fun times
And now I am seeing the two little humans that were messing with some kind of golem.
“Get you cursed paws off me, you little demons!!” yelled the golem, but it’s complains fell on deaf ears. As they were drowned by the laugh of the kids.
This golem was made of metal with a little rust on some areas. It was a big ball with an arm that had another ball attach to it. While it was aiming it at the twin and i could see lenses inside it making me realize that it some kind of camera.
“Mary, Carl! Stop messing around with Wadsworth before I take you to your Mother” Albert said sternly to them with an annoyed expression. He kinds of reminds me of Twilight with the twins.
“But, Uncle Albert we just wanted to play with Wadswoth. but it was her idea” spoke the little boy while pointing to the girl, they are so alike the Cake Twins. i wonder how they are doing.
“Thanks for ratting me out Charlie! Yes, we wanted to see how your Mister handy worked. So we dismantled it, but we were going to put it back together. I swear it” said little girl to Albert with a pout after glaring at her brother.
“Look kids, I told you this before you can’t enter people’s houses without their permission. Thinking of that. How did you get in?” Albert scolded to the Twins and sounding a little Worried.
“But Mama told us, that you did it all the time. Almost every trader that Mama talks to, has a story about it” the little girl said with a smug smile over her face.
“Look Mary, i know what they say about me, but half of time I went poking around back then. I could have ended up dead and don’t mistake it. There are lots of things in this house that can make it explode. With you in it” Albert was scolding Mary when Carl suddenly noticed me.
“Uncle Albert? That’s not a Deathclaw is it?” that seemed to break the argument between Albert and Mary as they looked at Carl, he seems both a little afraid of me but yet curious.
“That’s Spike and he is a dragon and that is Camille, my hunters picked them up this morning. Now, stop changing the subject. I will take you to Moira. If you want to talk to spike, do it later alright?” he said while grabbing the twins.
“Albert, sir. Do you mind, if I start putting this mister handy back together?” Camille asked, she knew about this golems?
“Alright, there are some tools in the locker near the door, and use that workbench over there “he responded gesturing towards the metal table next to the locker and went outside with the pair of troublesome twins.
“Alright, Wadsworth was it? I am going to start assembling you” Camille asked the golem as she went for the tools.
“Yes milady, I believe that we are not acquaintance yet. I am the butler of this house” the golem responded as Camille was putting together another ball/camera. “I heard that your name is Camille. Yes? And also I would assume that this creature is yours, am I correct milady?” creature? Did it just called me creature? That snobby bucket full of bolts.
“Hey tin can! I can talk, you know?!” I may put more tone in that sentence that I intended. I know but I simply can’t stand being addressed as a creature. This is Canterlot nobility all over again.
“He is right, you know?” she scolded the tin bucket “I know that he isn’t human, but he is sapient” that look on Camille's face bring so many memories.
“I apologies Sir Spike, it’s that I haven’t encounter non humans that could make a conversation. With the exception of the ghouls of course” the camera focused on me, making me really uncomfortable. As Camille was attaching another camera to its body.
“Alright tin… I mean Wadsworth, and sorry for snapping at you like that” strange golem aside this house seems to be made of some rusted metal.
“Got to give those twins credit. They did manage to disassemble you without breaking anything” Camille said clearly amused about the old golem peril.
“Lady Camille, I do not appreciate being dismantled whenever those little twins come to this house. Even if young Mary is talented in repairing machines such as myself. I think she takes after her mother in more than one aspect” the robot said while testing its newly attached camera.
“I assume that this “Andy” would be a “Mister Handy” like myself, correct?” the golem said while its cameras stared at Camille, with a smile she nodded and went back to work.
As Camille set on fixing the robot thing. Curiosity got the better of me and I went to explore the house. “Wadsworth, do you mind if I explore the house a little?”
“I assume, since Master Barnes brought you here and your partner is fixing me without stealing anything. That you are trustworthy, am I correct Sir Spike?” the Cameras seized me up.
Now that I saw it more clearly. The cameras were not the only thing following me. Near the bottom of the chassis. I saw three little holes, no bigger than my fingers, in a little pod that were giving a menacing green glow and were pointed at me.
A shivers ran through my spine as I realized that this golem was having me at gunpoint. And that Camille, who was oblivious of the threat, was a hostage.
“D-Don´t worry Mr. Wadsworth, sir. I will not touch anything” That thing was threatening my friend, I cannot risk Camille’s life. As I walked up the stairs Camille was giving me a concerned look, she must have picked on my nervousness.
The second floor was cleaner than the lobby where Camille was repairing that golem. Near the stairs. I could see some kind of vending machine sporting the words saying “Nuka-Cola” on the other side. I could see medical supplies along with a small laboratory it reminded me of the old basement on the Golden Oak's library.
As I stared the rusted wall. I could see two doors, one open and the other closed. I entered the open door to find several wooden trunks. As I peeked inside one of them I found a generous amount of books. Not enough to compete with Twilight´s collection, but enough to have a small library if you counted all the trunks and the books on metal shelves.
It was a strange room but what really weird me out. It was all those hats that were nailed to the walls. Some of them were made like metal helmets akin to a Changeling's face. They also had a strange symbol on the forehead, something close to a number three but more rectangular. The other hats were black and made of cloth with an old faded letter E.
Some were damaged while other where clean, and some had little spots of blood, that dried long ago, on them. There were many of the black ones. But why would Albert need so many hats and not clean them. And why they were nailed to the wall.
As I exited the room. I watched Wadsworth having more limbs now. At total it got six limbs, three cameras and three claw like arms. It was moving them as Camille instructed while having the other two on the ground like some three-legged oversized spider. I could see that one of the cameras was looking at me. It never stopped looking at me.
Then without warning. There was a little explosion, fire started erupting from below its chassis on a tube-like structure. And Wadsworth started to float in the air.
“Thank you Milady Camille, I am almost good as new. You might want to speak to Moira Brown if you are looking for work. I definitely wouldn’t mind another mechanic in town” I tuned out the conversation as I went to the closed door. I tried to open it but it was locked.
interesting
why am i telling you this?
one of the book was the legend of a griffin adventurer that had some really helpful tips on using claws. and with a little practice.....
I never told Twilight, but lets say that Cutie Mark Crusaders tried lockpicking once, and they have to learn in from somewhere. One of my not so good ideas, And all for some a gem that looked really tasty.
Now I know that this was not the best idea I ever had, in hindsight given the circumstances. I could have ended up dead.
But I had to see what was on the other side of that door.
I went for the lock trying to pick it with my claws. But just as I was focusing on it, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in, the door its open” Wadsworth told the newcomer.
“Hey Wadsworth, is Albert home?” I peeked through the second floor and saw a man wearing a tight skin green suit entering the room. On the side of his chest was the same sword with cogs that Albert got on his shoulder pad. “Oh, who is the VaultDweeler?” as he eyed Camille.
“Master Latchkey, it’s been some time since you were here. Master Albert went to Craterside’s to deal with the twins” Wadsworth said with what could as well be a shiver. “This helpful young lady, is Camille. Albert brought her along with the Dragon that is upstairs staring at you” at this the man raised his head to meet my eyes, along with his hand going for a strange pistol strapped on his hip.
“Easy there, I mean no harm!” I shouted while raising my claws, his eyes went wide and landed on Wadsworth.
“A talking Deathclaw? I have heard rumors from some traders that those exist on west side” he watched me with a mixture of awe and ware, it was a little awkward for me.
“Please, do not shoot Spike” I heard Camille say with alarm as the man turned to address her.
“My name is Kenny, mind explaining to me the situation Camille?” he crossed his arms on his chest as Camille started recounting our encounter with the Hunters.
I went to the first floor and took a sit on the floor near Camille I could see that this man was tracking my movements.
“And now Albert is helping me in finding my father” Camille finished as the door opened it felt weird to hear the story. If I haven’t lived through it and still were on Equestria. I would call that pony crazy. Shooting? Suddenly an entire group massacred by shadows? I am on a fantasy book?
Heh, and here I am trapped in a place nothing like my home. I wonder what is happening back in Equestria.
“I see you kids have met, good” Albert passed through into the house “any words from the citadel Kenny?”
“Yes, the elder wants to know why did you abandoned your unit” at this Albert’s face soured and his eyes narrowed.
“Arthur has my report. As you know Camille is the daughter of the overseer of 101 and Spike it’s an offworlder. Therefore I decided to give them a head start and get them to GNR” he explained with a sight while gesturing to us.
“You know that the Elder is not going to approve of this, especially since you are not returning Camille to 101” I did not like the sound of this “but then on the other hand there is Spike”
“Don´t you know that is rude to talk about somepony while they are in the room?” I couldn’t stop myself but I have has enough about this.
“You are right little dragon, I am sorry “Kenny said to my while giving me a sad smile “if you plan to get them to GNR. Are you going to give them some gear?” he asked.
“I was getting to that, Wadsworth! Hand me two type 93 rifles along with ten magazines of 5.5, also four fragmentation grenades and a pair of EMP grenades please” the robot floated to the second floor, but suddenly a camera looked over the edge of the plataform.
“Would you also like two sets of ballistic body armor along with combat knives Master Barnes?” As the Golem said this, he appeared with a full backpack and two weapons that hanged from its scissored claws. Wadsworth descended in front of us and handed Camille the bag as Albert grabbed the weapons.
As I saw this i was curious about what they were talking about. but there was this faint sound on the background like a long whistle far in the distance but getting closer.
“What is that sound?” as I said this Albert and Kenny looked at me, then the jacket wearing man closed his eyes.
“A mortar!” he said suddenly in alarm his eyes wide open as an explosion rocked the building
Author's Note
Its been some time since i posted. not exactly by choice.
with this i will be updating content on a more regular basis. I hope you like what will happen next.
